Students of Buddhism: What is the significance of cultivating altruistic intentions to become a Bodhisattva ?

Question

**Please provide me with a lengthly discourse on this subject, instead of one or two sentences. *Thank You.

With Metta.

Answer 1

The main difference between a bodhisattva and an arahata is the presence of altruism/compassion. An arahata views altruism as a chain that ties us to the material, a golden chain, but still a chain. They want to cut that chain as soon as possible, making it impossible for them to take anyone else with them. A bodhisattva will cultivate altruism, tying them into samsara for a bit longer, but allowing them to help more people find enlightenment. The arahata departs in the small vessel (hence the name hinayana), they believe that they have stayed on this shore large enough, and do not go out of their way to help others cross. The bodhisattva lingers a bit longer, they depart in a larger vessel (hence the name mahayana), taking others with them. Altruism is what seperates the bodhisattva from the arahata, without altruism you will not stay behind when you become enlightened, you will just leave. By keeping the "golden chain" intact for a bit longer, we become a bodhisattva...

Atmadeepo bhava...

Answer 2

The whole goal of becoming a Bodhisattva is to be of help to ALL sentient beings, if you're soaked in self-cherisment and don't cultivate altruism, apparently you're not going to care about other sentient beings... therefore, no Bodhisattva-hood. Simple logic.

edit/addition: If someone's going to thumb me down too, like the guy above me, have the consideration of at least telling me how I'm incorrect.

_()_

Answer 3

Bodhisattvas pursue enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. For this reason, they must necessarily possess bodhicitta. Since shravakas and pratyekabuddhas are individual liberation vehicle arhats, bodhisattvas necessarily possess bodhicitta - the mind-generation unique to the great vehicle - the Mahayana, which is characterized by altruism, hence: for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Before one holds the bodhisattva vows, he or she is applying conventional bodhicitta - after the vow, then that practitioner is counted among those appying ultimate, or engaged, bodhicitta. I have heard that it is likened to one wanting to become a doctor compared to one who is enrolled in medical school. Nonetheless, anyone who is taking the outer refuge in the Triple Gem and is seeking to tame their own mind is worthy of praise and only the most diligent and vigilant practitioners gain enlightenment in one lifetime. The rest of us must never give up the wish for enlightenment, not even in future lives, not until we achieve enlightenment. I hope this is helpful to you.

Answer 4

There is no significance to cultivating altruistic intentions...that re-enforces the ego and sense of self separate from others. Altruism is a benefit, not something you cultivate.

Besides, that is not how you become a Bodhisattva.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

~~~samadhi,,,, Transcendance of Ego,,,